Gouveia Vineyards

Today, I visited a gem of a location in Wallingford, Connecticut - Gouveia Vineyards. It was beautiful and barely looks like it could even be part of Connecticut.
The vintage itself is owned by a Portuguese family that used their knowledge as vintners from across the ocean and brought it over to nestle within the hills of Wallingford. The drive itself was lovely. Upon entering the gates, one sees several barrels lined up displaying the address.
Guests to the vineyard bring their own snacks but are not allowed to bring any drinks. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. The bottles range anywhere from 15 for rosé to 18 for chardonnay. As for the wine itself, I tried some rosé and one kind of chardonnay. The rosé was by far my favourite, because it was much lighter than the dry chardonnay and quite sweet. The colour was beautiful, as well - a deep pink.

(excuse that the rosé is half gone!)

Guests can sit either outside or inside a beautifully constructed building they have set up within the vineyard. It was very hot out, so my group stayed indoors. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of the inside of the building, but I can assure you it is lovely and reminded me a little of Noah's Ark. Outdoors, there are also tables and a beautiful little pond with a dock. I highly recommend visiting the vineyard if you are in Connecticut. It's definitely a very beautiful location, even if you don't drink wine.

Here is the website if you want more information:
http://www.gouveiavineyards.com/

White Chocolate Raspberry Scones

This was the first time I ever made scones, so excuse their appearance. However, as it was my first time making them, I was delightfully surprised at how quick and easy the process actually was!

Ingredients:
2 cups Flour
1/3 Sugar
1 tsp Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter
3/4 Raspberries (frozen or fresh)
1/2 cup Plain yogurt
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 Egg

Mix the dry ingredients together with the butter, then add in the rest of the ingredients. Do not over mix this, as it will ruin the consistency. Once it is mixed, transfer the mixture to a floured counter where you will then shape into whatever shape you so desire (I went with the traditional triangular shape).
Place them on parchment paper and brush the top with some beaten egg before sprinkling powdered sugar over it. Then bake them for 20-25 minutes at 375ºF. To melt the sugar at the top, turn the broiler on for a minute or two. Keep an eye on it, though! It can burn rather quickly (You can probably tell I was not too careful with my own).
Let them cool on a cooling rack, and enjoy!

Delicious Snack?

This is more a recommendation than an actual recipe. Greek yogurt, chopped walnuts and honey make for a quick breakfast or snack. I personally like Fage brand Greek yogurt because its the creamiest I have been able to find. It also comes in low-fat, which is nice since who really needs those extra calories?

Key Lime Pie

It has been a while since I have last posted anything to the blog, but here is something refreshing, citrusy, easy and delicious to make for summer. If you are attending or hosting a summer get together with family or friends (with the 4th around the corner if you are in the USA), then this is a great recipe for you!

Ingredients:
9" Graham cracker crust (I used a pre-made one in the interest of time)
4 egg yolks
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
1/2 cup lime juice (cheaper if bought in a bottle)
2 tsp of lime zest

Nothing could be quicker or easier than this recipe. I literally prepared it approximately an hour before serving it.

First, separate out the egg yolks (save the egg whites for a low-calorie omelette), stir in the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and lime zest.
Next, pour the mixture into your crust and pop it into an oven pre-heated at 350ºF for approximately 11 minutes.

It's good to let the pie cool to room temperature before putting it into the fridge to cool completely. This can take about an hour.